Within the area, renewables already supply around 1.6% of the total electricity supply, a proportion that will grow significantly over the coming years.

The Regional Economic Strategy identifies energy and related industries as the single most important contributor to the achievement of regional targets, with the initial estimate of £2bn additional contribution from the sector to North East England’s economy now being revised upwards. The low carbon technology sector is making a considerable contribution to this figure.

We have an international reputation as a centre for innovation, science and design and a history of supporting companies in their growth and development.

North East England is investing heavily in low carbon technology infrastructure by developing skills and facilitating a world class academic and research environment that feeds into a dynamic commercial environment. This is already attracting considerable inward investment, creating opportunities for spin-out companies and start-ups to achieve growth through the development of new products and new markets.

Part of North East England’s strength comes from our foresight in providing easy access to specialised expertise through advanced knowledge networks and research institutes which include Centres for Excellence for the commercialisation of science and technology in the renewables and low carbon sector.

Partner information

Northumberland College is widely recognised as the leading UK institution for vocational training within the wind energy industry. The college has designed and piloted two innovative courses for the renewable industry in partnership with leading wind energy organisations. The courses the college offer are primarily for the wind sector and are designed to train a learner to maintain and repair wind turbines from small domestic machines generating a few kilowatts to huge industrial machines generating over a megawatt of energy.

In order to deliver the highest quality of training for this emerging industry the college has partnered with five European centres of excellence in wind training. This has allowed the college to gain knowledge and experience from working with leading providers in countries that are ahead of the UK in terms of wind skills development.

The curriculum being offered by the college at the renewables training centre at the Kirkley Hall campus has the backing of key industry specialists. In addition the college is working closely with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) at Blyth, to develop its physical resources and to ensure that learners have access to the latest industry standard turbines and other key components for training purposes.

The College intends to continue to be innovative and further develop its provision in the emerging industry in partnership with other key stakeholders to ensure that learners have the necessary skills to assist in what is potentially a key area for economic growth.

Northumberland College is widely recognised as the leading UK institution for vocational training within the wind energy industry. The college has designed and piloted two innovative courses for the renewable industry in partnership with leading wind energy organisations. The courses the college offer are primarily for the wind sector and are designed to train a learner to maintain and repair wind turbines from small domestic machines generating a few kilowatts to huge industrial machines generating over a megawatt of energy.

In order to deliver the highest quality of training for this emerging industry the college has partnered with five European centres of excellence in wind training. This has allowed the college to gain knowledge and experience from working with leading providers in countries that are ahead of the UK in terms of wind skills development.

The curriculum being offered by the college at the renewables training centre at the Kirkley Hall campus has the backing of key industry specialists. In addition the college is working closely with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) at Blyth, to develop its physical resources and to ensure that learners have access to the latest industry standard turbines and other key components for training purposes.

The College intends to continue to be innovative and further develop its provision in the emerging industry in partnership with other key stakeholders to ensure that learners have the necessary skills to assist in what is potentially a key area for economic growth.

Reason for participating in POWER cluster

To assist in the development of additional training modules for the off shore wind market and to be kept abreast of the cutting edge technologies in the industry.

To assist in the development of additional training modules for the off shore wind market and to be kept abreast of the cutting edge technologies in the industry.